Simone Simon was born in France 94 years ago today, on April 23, 1910. I haven't been able to find a picture of her past about 1960, but she must be the hottest 94 year old going. Best guess is that this picture is circa 1942.
She was a much bigger deal back home in France than she ever turned out to be in America. She just never seemed to find the right roles here. Her main best known picture is Cat People, from 1942.
Her claim on my imagination, however, comes from her role as Belle, the demon/succubus from "over the mountain" in The Devil and Daniel Webster from 1941. There has never been a more evil sexy character on a movie screen. Note the exact tone and body language of her mocking rebuff to Stone at the barn dance saying "Oh, NO Mr. Stone- your place is with your WIFE."
The clincher, though, was the image of this literal succubus from hell bent over Stone's infant son, singing some evil otherworldly lullaby. Oh, Mommy!
Indeed, thinking of Ms Simon and looking at her pictures, it's HARD to keep up a proper hatred of the French. I'll have to stop. Eventually.
Article comments
1 - Michael
Any idea where Simone Simon could be contacted today. I am a fan